CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Incoming 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit commander Col. Robert Brodie said his Marines remain “ready to fight tonight,” regardless of what’s going on in the world of international diplomacy.

Brodie took command of the nation’s only permanently forward-deployed MEU from Col. Tye Wallace during a sunny ceremony Wednesday at Camp Hansen’s parade grounds.

Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, III Marine Expeditionary Force commander, said having an F-18 pilot take control of the Pacific’s seaborne quick-reaction force was a “historical moment.”

Brodie, who comes to Okinawa from a joint assignment with the 1st Air Force, 601st Air Operations Center as its combat plans division chief, vowed to continue Wallace’s work.